Non-ionising Radiation Awareness Course

Employers have a duty under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to assess the risks to which their workers are exposed and to introduce control measures where appropriate. These duties extend to the protection of workers from the adverse effects of exposure to non-ionising radiation (NIR).

Specific requirements in relation to artificial optical radiations have been introduced as a result of a European Directive passed in 2006, which was implemented in the UK by the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010. Artificial optical radiation include Class 3B and Class 4 lasers in addition to a wide variety of non-laser optical radiation sources.

A second Directive covers the  requirements for the protection of workers from exposure to electromagnetic fields and is expected to result in new regulations in 2012 or soon after.

Non-ionising radiation includes electric and magnetic fields, radiofrequency and microwave radiation as well as laser and non-laser optical radiation (ultraviolet, visible and infra-red).

Workplace applications involving NIR include the following.

 

• Electromagnets, electrical plant and process equipment
• Induction heaters and RF welders
• Radio transmitters and microwave telecommunications
• Outdoor work involving exposure to the sun
• Artificial ultraviolet sources such as lamps, lights and arcs
• Lasers for material processing, analytical and sensing equipment, and alignment tools.

The HPA Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE) has scheduled an NIR awareness course for the benefit of Radiation Protection Supervisors, health and safety professionals and others with a general interest in non-ionising radiation protection.

The aim of the course is to provide an overview of the nature of NIR, the effects of exposure and the requirements of current and forthcoming legislation, with particular emphasis on the EU Directives. The course will also include discussion of exposures from a range of sources typically found in the workplace together with guidance on those likely to require specific assessment or management.

Venue, brochure and course date

Location	Brochure	Date
Chilton	To come	26 October 2010

Fee

The fee for the course is £245 and includes training notes, lunch and refreshments.

The standard terms and conditions for training courses held by the HPA CRCE are available.

For further information, please get in touch with the course manager:

Steve Pritchard
Tel +44 (0) 1235 822681
Fax +44 (0) 1235 822650
Email steve.pritchard@hpa.org.uk

Last reviewed: 10 September 2010